Translation guide
The English word 'lucrative' describes something that produces a lot of profit or money. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adjectives and phrases that emphasize high income, profitability, or financial gain. The most common and versatile term is 儲かる (mōkaru), but other options exist for different contexts and nuances.
Describing a business, deal, job, or activity that yields a large profit or income.
The most common and natural way to say 'lucrative' in Japanese. It is an intransitive verb meaning 'to be profitable' or 'to make money'. It can describe businesses, investments, or any money-making activity.
このビジネスはとても儲かる。
This business is very lucrative.
儲かる仕事を探している。
I'm looking for a lucrative job.
A more literal phrase meaning 'with much profit'. It is slightly more formal and often used in written or business contexts.
それは利益の多い投資だった。
That was a lucrative investment.
A formal, technical term meaning 'highly profitable' or 'with high profitability'. Used in business reports or financial analysis.
この部門は収益性の高い事業です。
This division is a lucrative business.
Emphasizing that something generates a large amount of profit, often with a nuance of being a 'gold mine' or 'cash cow'.
Literally 'becomes money', this phrase means something is a good source of income. It is casual and commonly used in conversation.
そのアイデアは金になるかもしれない。
That idea could be lucrative.
Means 'profitable' or 'well-paying', often used for jobs or side gigs. It implies a good return on effort.
彼は実入りのいい副業をしている。
He has a lucrative side job.
Literally 'having flavor/savoriness', this metaphorically means 'profitable' or 'lucrative'. It suggests an attractive financial benefit.
この取引はうまみのある話だ。
This deal is a lucrative proposition.
Referring to a market, sector, or field that offers high profit potential.
Means 'promising market', often used in business contexts to describe a market with high growth and profit potential.
これは非常に有望な市場だ。
This is a very lucrative market.
Literally 'industry with much profit', a straightforward way to describe a lucrative industry.
彼は儲けの多い業界に参入した。
He entered a lucrative industry.
儲かる (mōkaru) is an everyday verb that feels natural in conversation. 利益の多い (rieki no ōi) is more analytical and often used in writing. For most situations, 儲かる is the best choice.
この店は儲かっている。
This shop is lucrative.
この店は利益の多い店だ。
This shop is a lucrative shop.
The English word 'lucrative' does not have a single direct adjective equivalent in Japanese. Avoid trying to use a word like ルクレイティブ (rukureitibu), which is not used. Instead, use the phrases and verbs above depending on context.
不動産投資はとても儲かることがある。
Investing in real estate can be very lucrative.
彼女は市場で儲かるニッチを見つけた。
She found a lucrative niche in the market.